Facing loss, mom works for change ► PAGE 3
A p r i l 1 8 , 2 0 2 4 | A p p e n M e d i a . c o m | A n A p p e n M e d i a G r o u p P u b l i c a t i o n | 5 0 ¢ | Vo l u m e 1 9 , N o . 1 6
City denies winery license, purchases 30 acres of land By HAYDEN SUMLIN hayden@appenmedia.com MILTON, Ga. — Two long-running issues, regulating farm wineries and finding ball fields for youngsters, reached milestones at the Milton City Council meeting April 8. The City Council voted to deny an alcohol beverage license for D’Rose Vintners and adjusted course on the search for active park space. The farm winery saga, involving Jim and Daryn Rosenberger’s property at 13555 Blakmaral Lane and surrounding residents in the Providence Planation neighborhood, saw its first public hearing for an alcohol license. The applicant approached city staff about the licensing process for a farm winery and rural event facility in 2020. The rezoning of the property, from community unit plan to an agricultural designation, occurred in May 2021, two weeks before the city-wide moratorium on farm wineries. When surrounding neighbors found out about the Rosenberger’s plan for a winery in October 2023, they organized opposition to an alcohol license in their neighborhood over a six-month period. To visit the property, guests must drive through Providence Plantation. Familiar voices on the issue, Jeff and Sarah Moen, Gary and Jessica Buxton, Brian and Jessica Eidex and Craig Franklin, spoke about their opposition to an alcohol license and farm winery in their neighborhood at the meeting. Brian Eidex said the city and applicant caused the problem when they misrepresented the rezoning application to neighbors in spring 2021. “Realize that what the lawyer is doing when he gets an opinion is speculating on the success of two potential lawsuits and giving an opinion on which one has greater chance,” Eidex said. “If you think this is just a legal matter please reconsider.” Out of more than 40 public comments at the public
HAYDEN SUMLIN/APPEN MEDIA
From left, Greg Swayne and Brent Beecham, owners and developers of Market District Crabapple, stand with Hyde Brewing co-owner Josh Rachel in front of his beer fermenters and brite tanks. Rachel said he plans to have his brewed-on-site beers ready April 25 for the development’s grand opening.
Crabapple developers prep for debut By HAYDEN SUMLIN hayden@appenmedia.com MILTON, Ga. — Since the city’s incorporation, Milton residents have driven to neighboring North Fulton cities for a night out with the family. The developers of Market District Crabapple are excited to offer surrounding residents the option to avoid the trek to Alpharetta’s Avalon or Roswell’s Canton Street for a night of dining out and perusing retail storefronts. Located at the roundabout heading north
from Broadwell Road to Ga. 372 and Birmingham Highway, Market District Crabapple is gearing up for its debut celebration. When the band starts in the courtyard at 4 p.m. April 25 for the downtown Crabapple destination’s grand opening, attendees will discover high-quality dining options surrounding 3200 Heritage Walk. Whether stopping in for a premium cut of beef at Aberdeen’s Steakhouse or trying Vietnamese-Cajun fusion at Le Mer Seafood, a delicious meal is easy to
See CRABAPPLE, Page 14
See COUNCIL, Page 12
Caroline Nalisnick C: 404.513.9226 | Caroline@HOMEgeorgia.com
Sam DiVito C: 404.803.5999 | Sam@HOMEgeorgia.com
Allison Kloster C: 404.784.5287 | Allison@HOMEgeorgia.com